The United States government shutdown has officially become the longest in the nation’s history, entering its 36th day on Wednesday as lawmakers remain unable to pass a new federal budget. The prolonged impasse has left the world’s largest economy grappling with halted services, unpaid federal workers, and mounting public frustration.
The previous record shutdown occurred under President Donald Trump between 2018 and 2019, lasting more than five weeks. This latest standoff has now surpassed that mark, underscoring the growing political divide in Washington. “How long the shutdown will last depends on whether both sides can reach a deal,” officials said, as the Senate prepared for further votes while the House of Representatives remained off schedule but could reconvene due to mounting pressure.
Without an approved budget, federal spending has effectively ceased, forcing agencies to suspend most operations except those deemed essential. The effects are now deeply felt across daily life in the U.S., from delayed public services to mounting backlogs in critical sectors.
Many government employees have not received paychecks since October, leading to rising anxiety and walkouts. Airports are reporting longer queues as check-in and security operations slow down. Meanwhile, families relying on federal food aid face extended wait times, and non-essential institutions have shut down or placed workers on compulsory leave.
The budget deadlock traces back to late September when Congress failed to agree on a new spending plan. A transitional budget proposed by Trump’s Republican Party lacked enough votes, while an earlier Democratic proposal also failed, deepening the fiscal stalemate.
